JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The local library system is offering city hall a plan to help balance the books, which involves deep cuts to its own budget.

The Jacksonville Public Library Board has signed off on a plan to cut $6 million from its annual budget - a figure requested by the mayor's office. This week is National Library Week.

The recommendation includes closing one branch, reducing hours, cutting staff and closing all libraries on Saturday and Sunday.

"I bring my grandson here," said Yvonne Youell, who said she is a frequent visitor to Main Library downtown. "If they change hours...there's no way he's going to get here."

The plan is only a recommendation from the library board; the city council and the new mayor will have the final say on where budget cuts are made.

"The library is open to all," said library spokesperson Kathy Lussier.  

"With the hour cuts we are looking at and the day cuts we are looking at the library may not be as open as it use to be," she said.

First Coast News